The Princess and Her Knight (WHIPPED SERIES #1) (Completed)

Chapter 15

Calm before the Storm

I was overwhelmed by the calmness of the cold wind blowing against my skin. Hindi alintana ang lamig habang akap si Ina.

Wind blows as a reminder that we have to go on with our lives, but I feel like we are still stuck at the highway traffic. Hindi magawang umusog dahil sa nakaraan. Ilang linggo na kaming namamalagi sa isang probinsya dito sa Cebu. May-ari ng kaibigan ko ang bahay na tinutuluyan namin. Magtago man ay alam kong mahahanap din kami kalaunan.

Hindi magawang kumalma ng aking puso habang nakatingin sa kaniya na malalim ang iniisip. Kinakabahan man ay hinawakan ko ang pisngi niya upang humarap sakin. Her eyes has been my favorite part of her, but everything about her just makes me want to love her a million of times. I smiled and raised our intertwined hands while my other arm wrapped around her body.

She raised her brows then smiled, "bakit?"

"You look bothered."

Umiling siya saka muling tumingin sa rumaragasang tubig ng talon. Muli ay kinuha ko ang atensyon niya, mahigpit na hinawakan ang kamay bago niya ako nilingong muli.

I faked a cough before speaking, "your hands are too plain.."

"Huh?" Naguguluhang tanong niya saka binitawan ang kamay ko ngunit hindi ko iyon pinakawalan bagkus ay mas lalo pang hinigpitan. "Hindi ako mahilig sa manicure. Should I get my nails cleaned up and manicured?" Nagtatakang tiningnan niya ang mga daliri saka kinagat ang pang-ibabang labi. "What color will best suit me? Pink or.."

Tumawa ako ng mahina at binitiwan ang kaniyang baywang. I loosened the tight air that was stuck on my throat before taking out the ring I bought during my college years. A promise ring I plan to give to the woman whom I love the most.

"I think silver would be good." I said, my voice trembling from the nervousness. I loosened my hold on her hand but not letting go. I then put the ring on her finger noticeably. "What do you think?" I asked nervously with my lips trembling in anticipation. Waiting for her response of my childish proposal.

Kita ko ang paggalaw ng mga daliri niya palayo sa akin. I don't understand what I am feeling right now especially with her unreadable expression. Noon naman ay kaya kong basahin kung ano ang nasa kaniyang isipan ngunit bakit ngayong kabado ako sa kaniyang maaring isagot ay hindi ko iyon magawa.

"I know we've been through a lot. I mean, I've never felt so sure my whole life but you, Ina. Hindi man--"

She wiggled against my hold, getting away from me as soon as she realizes what I am trying to do or say. Hindi ko alam ngunit takot ang lumukob sa akin nang makita ang reaksiyon mula sa kaniya. I expected her to be completely surprised because that's how women usually reacts but not this reaction.

"How can you propose at times like this?" Mahina ang boses at umiiling. Tila hindi matanggap ang proposal o talagang hindi nga niya tanggap.

"What do you mean?"

Nauutal man ay tinanong ko siya ng diretso. Ayaw ko ng paliguy-ligoy ngunit ang tingin na noon ay puno ng kagustuhang makasama ako, ngayon wala na. I don't understand but my heart constantly yearns for her. All of her. And right now, I have a feeling that I'm not gonna get what I want.

Muli ay umiling siya bago tinanggal ang singsing na nasa kaniyang daliri. Sumikip ang dibdib ko habang nakatingin sa kamay niyang binabalik ang bagay na noon pa man ay para na sa kaniya. I was trembling with all the emotions I am feeling right now: terrified, hopeless, helpless, and anger. Anger towards myself. Siguro'y nagulat siya kaya ganoon na lamang ang reaksiyon niya? Hindi ko alam. Akala ko kasi okay na. Akala ko okay kami.

"I'm so sorry," her words pierced my heart like a sword. I was a wounded soldier in a battle, fighting for my life. And that life I am fighting for is her, she's the love that I am trying to protect. My heart shattered in a million pieces as I saw her walked out of the balcony and out of the room. Leaving me with unshed tears.

Akala niya siguro ay minamadali ko siya. Umiling ako at napabuga ng hangin.

I ran my fingers through my hair. Frustrated as I try to compose myself with comforting words.

"Ina.."

Pikit mata kong tawag sa pangalan niya. I can hear her sobs from the inside of the guestroom. Akala niya siguro'y pipilitin ko siya but that is not my intention. If she wanted space, I could give her that. But I cannot let her hunger herself. If she wanted time, I could give her that, too. But not when she's been isolating herself inside the room the entire night and day.

"Ina, please. Kung ayaw mo akong kausapin, tell me so I could arrange our set-up. Mag a-adjust ako. Kung gusto mo, I will be out of your sight the entire time but not like this. Hindi pwede, Ina." I knocked for a few more times before hanging my head low, my hands numb from constant knocking the whole day. Dinikit ko ang noo sa pintuan saka nagpakawala ng hininga. "Baka kung anong mangyari sa'yo. It's not good for your health because you're stressing yourself too much. 'Wag mo nang isipin ang mga sinabi ko kagabi. It was a big mess because I was only hopeful. But you don't have to worry, I can handle my feelings. When you come out of this room, I swear I'm not gonna show my face in front of you. Bibilhin ko lang 'yong request mo kahapon na puto saka ilalagay sa dining table. Just please.."

When I didn't get response from her, I gritted my teeth and fisted my hands. "Okay?" Mahina ngunit puno ng pag-aalala kong tanong sa kaniya, sinisiguro na naririnig niya ako sa kabila.

She cried even more and I ended up losing my strength, my knees wobbly as I tried to inhale fresh air which seems to be so impossible right now.

"I love you.." I whispered, my hands touched the door frame for support. Ngunit iniisip ko rin na sana makahingi man lang ako ng kahit kaunting suporta mula sa kaniya.